EMG4057 vs EMG4096 — Compare
EMG S/S/60A Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory vs EMG S/S/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
The S/S/60A offers compressed sustain and controlled treble for tight, focused rhythm work, while the S/S/85 prioritizes high output and aggressive midrange punch for lead-driven tones. Choose the 60A for studio precision and hard rock rhythm definition; pick the 85 for maximum output and cutting lead tone in metal and hard fusion.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
EMG S/S/60A Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
EMG S/S/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
Specs side by side
| EMG S/S/60A Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory | EMG S/S/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in White | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $289.00 | $289.00 |
| Brand | EMG Pickups | EMG Pickups |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose EMG S/S/60A Active Single Coil Pickup in Ivory
- ✓ Compressed sustain and body in bridge position suits rhythm-heavy playing
- ✓ Controlled treble prevents harshness in high-gain applications
- ✓ Balanced output across all three positions for consistent feel
- ✓ Ivory finish blends with vintage and modern aesthetics
Why choose EMG S/S/85 Active Single Coil Pickup in White
- ✓ 85 bridge humbucker delivers higher output for aggressive overdrive and distortion
- ✓ Transparent, bell-like highs from single coils cut through dense mixes
- ✓ Fast transient response captures every dynamic nuance in lead work
- ✓ White finish suits bright and vintage-styled instruments
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between the bridge pickups?
The 60A humbucker provides compressed sustain and controlled treble for focused, tight responses ideal for rhythm work. The 85 humbucker emphasizes aggressive midrange and higher output, prioritizing cutting lead tones and sustain over compression.
Are both suitable for hard rock and metal?
Yes, both are built for metal and hard rock. The 60A excels in studio and gigging contexts where articulation and controlled tone shape matter. The 85 leans toward maximum output and aggressive midrange, favoring lead-driven metal and hard fusion styles.
Do either work better for cleaner tones?
Both offer single-coil clarity in the neck and middle positions. The S/S/60A's controlled treble makes it slightly easier to dial in smooth, articulate clean tones without brightness artifacts, while the S/S/85's transparent highs suit players who want every detail preserved in cleaner passages.
Are installation requirements identical?
Both use standard Fender-style Stratocaster routing with single-coil and humbucker cavities and require a 9V battery for active circuitry. Wiring and potentiometer values are tuned differently per model but installation difficulty is comparable for either.